Blessed Thistle Size: 4oz bag Native to the Mediterranean, Cnicus benedictus aka blessed thistle is an annual in the Asteraceae family. Blessed thistle herb has a long history of use in traditional European herbalism extending back to the Middle Ages. Bitter in flavor, blessed thistle is commonly used in many extracts and cordials. First used in Ayurvedic medicine, blessed thistle made its way to Europe and by the early sixteenth century, it had gained footing in folk medicine and was cultivated widely in monastery gardens. Spiritually, it is associated with purification and therefore used in purification baths. It is also believed that wearing a bit of it would protect one from evil. Further, it was associated with the planet Mars, the zodiac sign of Aries, and the element fire. In the United States and Germany, blessed thistle has been used in various formulas, particularly as a component of digestive bitters. Many of the other thistles, such as milk thistle, have similar qualities to blessed thistle. Milk thistle, in particular, has been used to support the healthy functioning of the liver. Blessed thistle may also be used similarly to other bitters, like barberry and gentian, that stimulate the upper gastrointestinal. Blessed thistle is also a part of the secret recipe used to make the Benedictine liqueur. Other Benefits: Liver Protection Classed as a cholagogue herb, Blessed Thistle stimulates the production of bile which assists in detoxification of the liver. This in turn leads to a decrease in symptoms associated with poor liver function such as; fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and brain fog. This liver supportive herb is often recommended to people who need to regain their appetite when recovering from illness or from certain treatments known to cause loss of appetite. Digestive Health The above mentioned stimulation of bile will in turn stimulate the production of gastric juices and saliva. This allows the body to digest fat more effectively, thus reducing cholesterol and helping to prevent gall stones. Blessed Thistle is also high in sesquiterpene lactones, such as cnicin - these lactones are reported to stimulate digestive activity by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes which leads to improved digestion and appetite. Anti-Microbial Two compounds found in Blessed Thistle - polyacetylene and cnicin - can help your body battle bacterial infections. Some studies have shown these compounds to be effective against Bacillus subtilis, Brucella species, Escherichia coli, Proteus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis. Anti-Inflammatory Blessed Thistle has anti-inflammatory characteristics that have been observed to decrease or completely cease inflammation in addition to helping to remedy infections. This action is again thought to be due to the plant compound cnicin which is known to have anti-inflammatory activity. Nevertheless, persons with inflammatory bowel problems shouldn’t take this herb before getting the opinion of their personal health-care professional. Stimulates Milk Supply There is some controversy surrounding this herb's ability to act a galactagogue (to increase milk supply). However, in a study by Tim Fei Sim et al, it was concluded that the most effective of the herbal galactagogues were Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle taken together. Typical use Herbal Tea: 1 tsp dried herb per 1 cup of boiling water up to 3 times a day. Tincture: 1-2 ml up to 3 times a day. Organically Grown Organic foods are grown on land that has been free from the use of synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, insecticides or herbicides for at least three years. Before a product can be labeled Certified Organic, farmers and processors must meet certain requirements.
